Having a winter wedding? Even later fall or early spring wedding days can be rather chilly! Those cold days don’t have to mean all indoor photos. You just have to be prepared.

Outdoor photos in the winter can be so beautiful with softer light, possibilities for snow or ice, and they represent the special season in which your wedding takes places.

I work with my couples to make sure that our schedule provides for time outside before the sun sets early and without extended time outside.  We arrange for short spurts near their venues or vehicles where they can quickly warm up again.  We also make sure that we take plenty of lovely, indoor photos as well.

Ensure that members of the wedding party have proper footwear. Closed toed shoes and hose or tights are big helpers in keeping those feet and legs warm.

Don’t shy away from staying warm.  Use winter accessories to add interest to your photographs and bring in your wedding’s colors and personal style.  Men and women can sport scarves or gloves.  The ladies can wear shawls, cardigans or jackets with their dresses to keep them warm. 

Consider providing warming packs, like hot hands, to your wedding party to help them brave the chilly weather and coffee or hot chocolate instead of cold drinks when they are done.

Sometimes, we even schedule only photos of the bride and groom outdoors, keeping the photos of the entire wedding party indoors.

Either way, it’s a great time to focus on what’s beautiful in the winter, rather than what’s lacking.  Evergreens, openness of landscapes, your wedding venue, and architecture are all great settings for wintertime wedding photography.

Other favorite winter wedding ideas I’ve seen over the years are:

Including warm treats like s’mores and pies at the reception

Fire pits

Hot cocoa bars

Winter decor like pine trees, pine cones, and candles

Lap blankets for guests during the ceremony

See also my post Wedding Day emergency kits.

As I’m in my fourteenth year as a wedding photographer, it is amazing to look back and consider the amazing DIY brides that I’ve photographed over the years.  We really cater to the DIY wedding couples who value photography, yet are looking to both express themselves and cut back on wedding expenses.

Here are my top handful of ways that you can showcase your own talents, personality, and family heirlooms on your wedding day without breaking the bank.

DIY Wedding Flowers

I’ve had countless brides who have put together their own bouquets, and they have all been charming, unique, and deeply personal.  I’ve seen them made out of broaches, paper folding, pinecones, silk and fresh flowers, and with all kinds of personal details.

DIY Wedding Decor

It’s always special when I hear about brides and grooms who have gathered friends and family together to create unique and meaningful decor for their wedding day.  Often it is for the reception and table decor, but even at the wedding venue we see many personal details shining through. Here are a handful of DIY backdrops and centerpieces that really stand out.

DIY Guest books

When I was a kid my parents stuck by the tradition of a guestbook on a stand by the front door.  As guests stopped by, they’d sign the book, and occasionally we’d go back through and reminisce about the people who had filled our home. Even today, though that tradition is rare, the wedding guest book still remains. In many weddings though, the book itself is often replaced with more personal or decorative options.

Some of my clients have used rocks, thumbprints, or plates for guests to sign.

One favorite DIY guestbook was a vintage copy of a favorite novel.

Though not entirely DIY, we offer a photo guest book that showcases engagement photography.  This is certainly personal and a keepsake for years to come.

DIY Wedding Food and Dessert

Cooking your own food for your wedding day certainly comes with its own logistical challenges.  Some of the ways wedding couples have tied their favorite foods into the wedding day has been such a (tasty!) pleasure.  It hasn’t all been exactly do it yourself, but keeping the responsibilities close to home or helping the caterer truly cater to your clever ideas can really heighten the celebration.

I’ve seen s’mores, handmade pies and cakes, and even donuts!

DIY Wedding Activities

Dinner and dancing may be the best route for many, but we’ve had many couples pass in front of my lens that were really seeking to find an alternative to those traditional activities- something to suit their guests and themselves better.

I’ve attended bonfire receptions, seen handmade beanbag toss games, board game rooms, and even Guitar Hero competitions and costumes!

It’s fun for your guests when you consider their preferences and are willing to think outside the box. As much as I love hitting the dance floor, I know just as many friends who would much rather grab a cup of hot cocoa and play a board game or do a puzzle at their table.

I am eager to see what new and clever DIY brides come my way in the coming wedding seasons! It’s always an adventure and keeps it fresh as we continue to celebrate new families!

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something green.

I don’t think that’s quite how that saying goes, but if you are looking to minimize your impact on the planet and your waste on your wedding day, here are a handful of ways to be an Eco-friendly bride and have a green wedding.

Rethink some paper products by eliminating or altering their use. For example, ditch the programs or the individual name cards at the reception. I’ve had one couple who did some pretty amazing online invitations, too. For what you do need to print, look into more sustainable paper options or recycled paper for printing.

Use real things, rather than disposable. Sometimes in the name of cost or ease, it’s easy to grab disposable items, but using reusable items like napkins and table settings not only feel nicer, but also eliminate a ton of waste.

Choose things you’ll use again, and then they’ll hold meaning. I love how many things around my home that we use daily came from my wedding. My mother-in-law used buckets for some decorations at my rehearsal dinner and now my kids’ toys are all in colorful buckets around my house. The cups and plates we used for communion are now our special wine glasses and my favorite go-to plates for breakfast and dessert. Maybe your shoes or watch can be new for the wedding and what you use again on special occasions.

Get creative with your guest book. I’ve seen plenty of creative ideas that allow couples to enjoy the names and messages from their family and friends that won’t end up stashed in a box and never seen again. People have signed all kinds of things that the couples plan to display in their home- rocks in a jar to a special favorite book. Photo books featuring engagement photos are also a great alternative; since the book has dual purpose they can enjoy looking at it over and over again, giving those pages a full life.

Use local, native to your area, in-season plants for your flowers and decor.

Eliminate waste by donating extras of anything you can to those who might appreciate it most. Consider food, flowers, decor, supplies, and other items.

Use recycled items for decor. I’ve had several brides that collected specific types of jars for flowers. Also, there was one who painted old doors to create a backdrop for their ceremony.

We aim to keep things as eco-friendly as we can as wedding photographers, too. I’ve previously written about that in how we aim to be responsible in our business, but you can read a portion of it here, too.

We choose to be eco-friendly by:

• Using our equipment fully and until they die or show excess wear, rather than creating excess electronic waste

• Reusing our packaging materials

• Using recycled paper products and minimal new paper or plastics for packaging and marketing

• Often choosing paperless options for proofing, correspondence and billing

• Meeting online with our out of town clients, rather than driving

• Using real plates, napkins, and cups rather than disposable

You might find a few more ideas in my post on Saving Money on your Wedding.

I love following a couple’s story as they begin to form a family during their engagement and at their wedding. The chapters begin to unfold, and when their family grows through births and adoptions I love to continue to tell their stories and document these milestones. Seasons often change faster than we can contain their memories. I am so thankful for photographs to engage those memories and remind us of where we’ve been and spur us on to where we’re going.

Several years ago, while I was deep in the midst of our adoption and unsure with every commitment I made that I might have to break it for my own travel to be with our internationally-born kiddo spur of the moment, I had the privilege of photographing Andy and Allissa’s wedding. They recently had me photograph their growing family with two daughters. It was a joy to celebrate the birth of their youngest and watch them cherish their oldest.

As I looked through the lens of my camera there was an instant when I thought- I’ve been here before. And as so often we see in good story-telling, there are themes and strands woven throughout, perhaps not identical but similar enough to connect us to who we were before and who we still are, but yet somehow- different.

I had photographed Allissa in a mirror as she readied herself for the wedding ceremony. And here she was again, gazing not into her own eyes, but the eyes of her daughter.

Also, just for fun, I was struck by how Allissa’s eyes also reminded me of one of my favorite childhood movies, Anastasia. Just look at those eyes.

Looks like a special friend or your sister is getting married. Maybe you’ve done this 14 times in the last 3.4 years, or maybe it’s your first time. Being a bridesmaid is a special job.

I have a few tips on being the best bridesmaid you can be.

First of all, your job, and the reason you have been asked to be a bridesmaid in the first place is to honor the marriage of your friend or sister. You are standing up in front of perhaps a crowd of witnesses to say, “I support this marriage. I witness it happening, and I am happy to encourage them in their future life together.” To me, that’s a pretty big deal and it carries some weight. There are often showers and parties and celebrations as the wedding approaches and certainly those are delighting. However, in my eyes, the biggest responsibility is being there. Being at the wedding and continuing to support that marriage over time.

Secondly, you are there to help the bride on her wedding day. Help her make sure she’s got everything she needs. Slip her bags into the car for her. Make sure she’s eaten breakfast. Pray with her, take deep breaths with her, and bring her fresh lip stick.

Train time. One of the bridesmaids, usually the maid or matron of honor helps the bride with the train on her dress. If you are in a wedding I am photographing, I’ll help you learn how to lay the train out during the ceremony. In general, a little bit of air to fluff it into place is all it needs and keeps attention where it needs to be. You can also help her carry the train if it is long or heavy, or help her find the loop under the train for the bride to carry it herself. Many trains have a loop that she can slip right over her wrist. Lastly, after the ceremony and photos, often a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride will help to bustle the train. This means that the train will become neatly tucked up into the rest of the dress with buttons, ties, or hook and eyes to allow the bride to dance and move around freely without tripping. Often the seamstress can help you learn how to bustle the dress before the wedding day.

Carrying a bouquet. No matter how many times a bridesmaid carries a bouquet down the aisle, I always do my best to remind them how to hold them. When you are walking in heels down an aisle in front of people, it can be awkward to know how to hold the flowers. They tend to creep up higher as you walk and next thing you know, they are up front of your face like a microphone. Keep your arms low and relaxed. Forearms near your hips.

Pro tip: Have a few paper towels handy when you take the flowers out of the water and blot the ends. You don’t want the cut tips to seep water onto your dress.

Bring a change of shoes. When you are carrying bags or gifts out to the car, or you have been in heels all day for the first time in a year, you’ll be glad you had a pair of flats or flip flops. You’ll be in a better mood to help until the end of the day when you are prepared.

Take your hairband off your wrist.

Celebrate!

In this day and age, we call men “guys” and yet on a wedding day, we expect gentlemen. A lot of the fashion sense and etiquette we have grown to expect has been lost over generations of increasing casualness. Do you know how to pin on a boutineer? Outside of prom, you probably have not worn one. What about a pocket square? Do you know how to tie a tie? Use studs and cufflinks?

Increase the pressure, a photographer like me is going to photograph you trying to figure it out.

Do your homework and practice a bit. The Art of Manliness has tons of great tutorials to help you out. If you get stuck that day, I’ll help you out.

Beyond all the formalwear, your purpose is both to witness and support the bride and groom in their new marriage. You watch and affirm the life-long commitment they are making to one another, and say, “Yes! I think this is a good idea!” Keep your knees unlocked so you can attentively bless and encourage your friends or family as they are getting married. Though it makes a good story, I’d suggest avoiding fainting.

During portraits or other transitions, help the couple by carrying things or offering to help with anything they need. Bring some water, grab a snack, chapstick, or drive the car around.

Many Best Men know their duties include a toast. I’ve seen all sorts. Including one with a sword. Most with laughing, some with crying, and the occasional poorly prepared toast. Do your best to bless the couple and stick to your personality to aid the celebration.

Are you an usher? Ushers usually get off easy or no one knows how to tell you your job. But people want to see, and your job is to escort people to their seats and help them find the best place to sit for their size of party. Perhaps it’s a family with a young child. Place them near an aisle (not the center aisle, if you can), so they can escape if needed. Family? Up close. Large group, help them find the open areas so they can sit together.

Etiquette would encourage you to escort the eldest female by the arm, and her partner or family would follow.

What about during all those pictures? The best groomsmen are respectful of the couple and the photographer and full of fun. Sometimes all the guys have known each other for years, and it’s joyful reunion. Sometimes the groomsmen come from all walks of the groom’s life, so they don’t have long-term camaraderie, and that’s ok, but do your best to break out of your shell and have fun. Listen to the photographer and do your best to listen to their lame jokes to keep you smiling.

The photographs will be cleaner and taken faster if you leave your phone and keys in the car or limo. Empty those pockets, please! Same goes for sunglasses unless that’s part of the game-plan.

If you are married, dating, or otherwise connected with a bridesmaid, stick close and you’re likely to be positioned in the photograph with the person you like best. When a photographer is moving fast, group portraits are often done by who is closest or the height that balances the photo the best.

I often tell people that I’ll photograph year round, but rarely get takers in the winter. It’s been fun over the last few years that families I’ve photographed many times have realized that I’ve photographed them in many nature-driven-seasons, so they reach out to make a complete set. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Maybe it’s the sunscreen I’m smelling on my skin and the heat from the start of summer, but I’m thankful for all the chances to photograph year round. I have been able to photograph under spring blossoms, summer’s carnivals, in the crunch of fall leaves, and folks wrapped in blankets and sipping warm drinks and embracing for warmth.

I remember the hot sun glaring down on us during this family’s engagement session and the cold air on their New Year’s Eve wedding. And countless times with the additions of their sons in between. They reached out midwinter for snow photos to help round out their collection, and we hung in there, watching the weather and touching base every time there was a reasonable chance for snow.

It was so worth the wait and spur of the moment scheduling.

As couples are beginning to plan their weddings, choosing vendors can be tough.  Especially when everyone can snap photos on their phone, it can be especially hard to choose a quality photographer.

Some couples are really DIY - making their own bouquets and enlisting the help of family to make cupcakes, gathering bridesmaids in their living room to assemble centerpieces and favors for guests.  Others are looking for a more hands-off approach and wanting a professional to take it and run with it and create an elegant affair.

Either end of that spectrum is a place for a professional photographer. You can DIY you to heart’s content, but taking your own photos isn’t going to work out so well. Investing in a Certified Professional Photographer will help you know that your photographer has experience and technical excellence, and is maintaining that over time.

Although I have been photographing for many years, and photographing weddings since 2005, I completed the hard work to become a Certified Professional Photographer in 2012. This process requires passing a challenging exam on technical photography, passing a portfolio review including client work, and also a review of professional standards, websites, and a commitment to maintaining professional standards over time.  To maintain this certification, I attend conferences, workshops, and classes each year to keep learning and keep my standards high. I also serve as a CPP Liaison who assists incoming candidates in completing their certification process.

When considering your photographer, and other vendors, consider their qualifications in helping you celebrate your special day. You can use Professional Photographers of America’s database to help find a professional or Certified Professional Photographer.

At the tail end of winter, as the first bits of spring began to arrive, Rachel and Justin gathered their families from St. Louis and Atlanta in iconic Forest Park for their wedding at the Norman K Probstein Golf Course. Mimicking the colors of the changing seasons, they enjoyed an elegant event with soft pinks, greens and gold.

Rachel’s billowy fabrics in her dress brought a softness, complimented by the punchy, exciting gold of their decor.

Rachel and Justin had such a laid back spirit that was full of joy at their new marriage and reception.

It was a wonderful celebration as their guests danced their hearts out and stayed until their sparkler departure.

I’ve seen many dances that celebrate the longest marriages in the room, but this was my absolute favorite.  The whole room was cheering as these special grandparents continued dancing as the DJ called out more and more years of their marriage.

I’d prayed for Rachel shortly before their wedding and told her I was praying for their marriage into their old age, and perhaps it will be quite the celebration when their children and grandchildren cheer for them as well.

Vendors:

Hair Styling | Constance at Urbaneboozer

Bakery | La Patisserie Chouquette

DJ services | DJ A. Eye

Venue for both ceremony and reception | Norman K Probstein Golf Course

Let’s face it, weddings are expensive. And my job as a wedding photographer doesn’t help. However, the value of quality photos of your wedding day is high.

Let’s imagine for a second that you want quality, professional photographs from your wedding day but the costs are adding up and the budget is bursting at the seams. It’s tempting to find cheaper or free alternatives. Let me help you look at simple ways to save money on your wedding that doesn’t leave you skimping on pictures.

Let’s start with big picture questions. Consider the necessity and value of particular elements you wish to include in your ceremony, reception, or day as a whole. Ask yourself, “Why?” Is it just tradition or your own expectations? Can they be shifted and still respect the vision you have for your day?

More specifically, think about details and if you really care about including them at all or if you can do it yourself and not add to much stress.

When considering flowers and food, opt for local, in season options. For example, serving watermelon in February isn’t going to be a money saver (nor will it taste as good!). And getting your florist to import an exotic flower won’t be as cost-conscious as choosing spring blossoms native to your area that are already in bloom in May.

Also, when considering flowers, if you are trying to stick to your budget, consider using less. I have had several winter weddings avoid flowers altogether, using the greenery already decorating the church or venue. In my own wedding, we didn’t do boutineers for the gentlemen.

Skip programs, or keep them simple. For longer ceremonies, it can be helpful for guests to have one, but I’ve attended many weddings without them and I don’t think anyone noticed. It also helps reduce waste.

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. The tradition to have each of these things isn’t a bad idea when it comes to minimizing your costs. Consider second-hand, borrowed, or otherwise re-used items. Decorations can be thrifted, bought used from Craigslist or similar places, or borrowed from a friend. I’ve had a bride who borrowed her dress. Some of my favorite flowers at a wedding were in a collection of jars the bride and friends saved and washed from things like salad dressings, spaghetti sauce, and preserves.

Use one venue, rather than separate venues for reception and wedding ceremony. I’ve photographed several that are in the same room. It’s convenient for your guests and you as you coordinate only one location.

Feeding people can grow expensive quickly. Consider what options make the most sense for you. Maybe a dinner reception isn’t the best idea, and a cake reception better fits the bill. One alternative that I liked a lot was a cake reception for all the guests, but a more private affair was held later in the evening with dinner for family and the wedding party.

Do your research to find unique, affordable options that suit your tastes and match your values. Ask questions and seek alternatives. My wedding reception was in a non-traditional location and I was concerned I’d get turned down when I asked and that it would cost a fortune. I asked, and not only were they happy to oblige, but it was only $75 for a cleaning fee. What a treat to dance with my new husband where I’d dreamed!

Involve family and friends. If you have someone with special skills who wouldn’t mind being an emcee or coordinating for you, go for it. If you have aunts a plenty who want to make appetizers or arrange your flowers, use their gifts and give a hearty thanks!

If you love cars, splurge on an amazing unique kind of transportation for your day, but if not, your own car will be just fine. Though I might suggest cleaning it for a touch of extra sparkle.

All that being said, save for what you value and prioritize that. I’d love for you to clear the way for your photography. However, other vendors would likely hope you would do the same creating memories through the dancing, or atmosphere at the reception, or a stunning cake that looks like a work of art.

I've been photographing my dear friend Janele for 15 years, since we met as freshmen in college. Do you know that my heart loves it so much that I even dream of photographing her? This year she's celebrating a milestone of 10 years of marriage, but last year she joined me on a bridal session, allowing me to photograph her in her dress again.

Would you like to get gussied up and join me for a bridal or trash the dress session? These are casual, fun, sessions designed to create artful celebrations of your marriage. Send me an email to schedule one today: [email protected]

Summertime is a common time for weddings with easier breaks from work or school and warm weather.  Though a favorite wedding time, the hot weather can cause its own challenges. I’ve seen my fair share of sweaty grooms and melting brides. In fact, I was one myself.

I was one of those brides who had an outdoor reception in August. Some people like to remind me of that tragic fact, but I remember it as all sunshine, daisies, and happiness.

Here are my best tips to a pleasant and prepared warm weather wedding.

Hydration.  Be sure that all members of the wedding party have enough water to drink.  It might be tempting to fill your cooler with beer, soda, or lemonade, but water is best. I’ve seen my fair share of events when the water ran out.

Air. Hand-held paper or electric fans are so valuable.  My favorite tip from when I worked for another photographer in college was to lay a fan on the ground under the bride’s skirt when she is standing still for a while (such as during family portraits).  If she has a lot of layers to her dress, it can be really hot.

Sweat is real, and so is the midwestern humidity. Menswear on a wedding day has a lot of layers and is often black.  The materials of women’s dresses are also delicate and show wetness easily.  Packing a stack of washcloths and hankies can be helpful to blot sweat and stay fresh. You can even freeze a few in a baggie and keep it in the cooler to help cool down fast.

Change of clothes.  I like to encourage summer brides and grooms to consider packing an extra set of undergarments for a midday change.  An extra undershirt, bra, or panties can go a long way to feeling like you can handle your reception with grace.  You’ll be hugging a lot of people on your wedding day and doing so in a sweat-soaked undershirt holds a lot less appeal than feeling fresh for the party.

Staying fresh- in your bag for the day along with lipstick and Advil, throw in your deodorant! Reapplying before the receiving line or the reception is probably a good idea.

As I plan the wedding day schedule with my couples, I make sure that weddings during hot weather seasons don’t have long stretches outside.  Consider multiple, short stops so there are breaks in the car or party bus to cool off, or stick to your venue and step inside to cool off as needed. Coordinate with your photographer to make sure your schedule is appropriate for the weather.

Check out what I keep in my wedding day emergency kit for my wedding couples. 

As I say to every bridal couple I photograph, “Weddings are uncontrollable events.”

Spills happen. Traffic jams occur. Doors are locked. Dresses snag.

Wedding days have a lot of moving cogs, but being prepared can help little inconveniences stay little and not grow into big stressors.  Having a bridal emergency kit available is one way that I can help couples stay focused on the joys and celebrations that fill their wedding day.

I’ll give you a peek into what I like to try to keep with me on wedding days. You can use this list to help you be prepared for your own special day:

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

• bobby pins
• cotton swabs
• razor
• lotion
• manicure set
• dress tape
• safety pins
• ibuprofen
• blotting paper
• straws
• tissues
• small snacks
• baby powder
• shout wipes
• mints
• band aids
• deodorant
• baby wipes
• hair spray
• tooth brush
• bottled water
• handheld fans
• needle and thread

Purple Lemon Photography couples, I’ve got you covered.

See also warm weather wedding tips and cold weather wedding tips.

Over a glass of lemonade, I tell each couple who sits with me in my sunny office the two reasons why I encourage couples to have an engagement session. Having portraits taken during this special season prior to marriage is both practical and a gift.

First of all, it gives the couple an opportunity to get to know me with a camera and what that experience is like. It can be daunting to have someone following you all day with a camera on your wedding day. This gives us a chance to grow more comfortable together so you can better enjoy your wedding day. And on the flip side, I get to know you better and how you photograph. I learn things like if you blink a lot, or if you giggle with the attention. I can learn that you need a lot of direction or you naturally fall into poses. These things help your wedding day go more smoothly since we’ve had a low-stress chance to practice together.

Secondly, I get to photograph you in a special part of your life, with special details that you’ll want to look back upon with fondness. I help you plan a date or location that holds meaning to you and helps tell your story. Some couples have recreated first dates or favorites. Some check things off their bucket list. And others aim for something more simple.

I’ve accompanied people on boat rides, watched people make brownies and throw popcorn, and taken others for hikes. I love the variety of the couples I photograph!

I love the chance to make sure that during this busy time of planning a big event and planning a future, often with finding a new apartment or house and sometimes a big move, you get at least one awesome date. You can look into each other’s eyes, laugh, and hold hands. You get to connect over something that is uniquely you, and — BONUS! — then you get record of it for keeps.

Recently, just a week before their wedding, when things could have felt busy and overwhelming, Justin and Rachel said “Pause!” and enjoyed breakfast together. Rachel had just moved back to town and the wedding was just about to happen, but I joined them at The London Tea Room where they enjoyed tea and breakfast. They said that cream was so good it was worth the splurge!